Posts Tagged ‘Goldberg’

Goldberg Looking Ripped For New Commercial, Kevin Owens Remembers Dusty Rhodes

Goldberg looks jacked in new photo

Goldberg posted a photo on Instagram that noted that he recently filmed a DirecTV commercial. Goldberg looks jacked in the picture and teased the possibility of returning to wrestling in the hashtags on the post. Goldberg hasn’t wrestled in WWE since his quick loss to Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania 33.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVC6n4xFrjJ/

Kevin Owens remembers Dusty Rhodes

“The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes passed away two years ago today. Kevin Owens took to Twitter and posted the following:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/873880547935879169

Asuka Surpasses Goldberg’s Undefeated Streak, Reactions From Both

NXT Women’s Champion Asuka recently won her 177th match in NXT, surpassing Bill Goldberg’s fabled 176-0 streak from the glory days of WCW. Both Asuka and Goldberg commented on her accomplishment:

Goldberg’s Streak vs. Asuka’s Streak

Goldberg’s streak, according to WCW storylines, ended at 176-0. In reality, that streak was only 158 wins and he actually lost a non-televised match to Chad Fortune at a WCW Saturday Night taping early in his career. In Goldberg’s autobiography, he stated that management were testing to see how he would react to losing a match, and when he didn’t complain, they continued pushing his undefeated streak.

Asuka has never been pinned or submitted in NXT, but she has been in matches where she didn’t win. In 2016, she didn’t win 3 straight fatal 4-way matches, which were all won by Bayley. She was also in a battle royal she didn’t win.

Goldberg Talks About Wrestling For WWE Again, Getting In Ring Shape Being “Traumatizing”

Former RAW Universal Champion Bill Goldberg recently spoke with WrestlingInc.com and stated once again that the door is always open for a potential return to the ring.

Goldberg has been honest about how difficult it was to get in ‘Goldberg’ shape at 50 years old. He made headlines in the week leading up to WrestleMania when he revealed the intense training was making him “absolutely miserable.” For everything he put his body through, Goldberg says it was worth it so his family could see him wrestle and to ‘right the wrong’ of his first run with WWE in the early 2000’s.

Here are some highlights from this recent interview wrestling WrestlingINC:

Getting back in the gym after taking time off following WrestleMania 33: 

“I’m feeling great as I am sitting in my massage chair doing this interview. How I feel now is a culmination of 50 years of battering my body; whether it’d be in football or wrestling, going to my Muay Thai gym, it’s been a life that I have accepted and a life I wouldn’t change for the world, but at the same time it’s a life of pain, so it is what it is.

“I was in the gym [last Wednesday] doing my Muay Thai. I took a month off. My body needed it; my body needed to recover from the toxic shock that I kind of put it through. It was a very traumatizing physical experience for me, so yeah, I let my body rest for a month and am back at it.”

Comparing his recent WWE run to his first stint over a decade ago:

“As a performer you want the best for your character and your business, you want to go out and do the best that you can do personally and professionally. It was a wrong that was re-written. Whatever the circumstances may have been, at the end of the day, the character finally got what it deserved and I am not talking about me, I’m talking about the character.”

Wrestling for WWE again:

“Personally and professionally, it’s something that I would have to take into consideration if it was ever presented to me again. As far as the physical aspect is concerned, as I sit and look at myself in the gym I ask myself what I am going to do with this? I don’t think it’s an impossibility, but it could be an improbability to ever get back in the ring, but never say never. Like I said the last time; you never know who is next and you never know what is next.”

Goldberg Talks Working With Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 33, The Build-Up to Their Match, More

Former WWE Universal Champion Bill Goldberg recently did an interview with Raj Giri of Wrestling Inc. to talk about his recent run with the company. You can check out the highlights here:

The build-up to him and Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 33 match:

“It was a very tense build up and everything; 13 years far removed from the business, 13 years removed from the match, and the way we had went out. At the same time it was different circumstances, but in everyone’s eye it was a negative, self included so to be able to be able to have an opportunity to put something positive ahead so people don’t dwell on that the rest of their lives and get a little retribution and go out and show everyone that I can still do it.

“There are a lot of things on that checklist that I had to take into consideration, I’m currently writing a book about my last run; I mean, there was a lot packed in within a very short period of time. At the end of the day I am honored, humbled and privileged to anybody that thought I could pull it off and given the opportunity to show that I can. From the first day to the last day, I had all the confidence in the world to no confidence at all, which is what drives me; trying to be humble in every respect, where sometimes the negative pushes you to the point where you are in an emotional tizzy about it, which is a word I have never used. It’s a mentally lobotomizing situation that I can sit here and complain about all day long where people wouldn’t understand it, but at the end of the day I am the luckiest guy in the world to be given that opportunity.”

Everything being worth it after admitting he was ‘miserable’ during his recent WWE stint:

“People had made mention that I was so miserable throughout the previous run, but you know what, a woman is miserable throughout her pregnancy, but it doesn’t mean that at the end of the day she has the baby it is a negative experience. I tell it like it is; it sucks burping and farting all day because you are pushing your body to count the calories and be a semblance of who you were back in the day. There are certain things that are difficult to do; packing on the weight at 50 years old is extremely difficult for me to do because at 30 I was trying to gain weight and your body doesn’t react the same way. Through the miles of abuse you put on it throughout the years; whether it’d be on the field or in the ring, it doesn’t want to respond the way that it used to, but again, as miserable as I may have sounded, i was more than humbled to of been given the opportunity that it happened.”

What it was like working with Lesnar at WrestleMania:

“Brock is one of my best friends on the planet. He always has been and always will be. Whether we’re inside the ring with him. He has done a lot of things in his life and is the utmost professional. That guy can work his ass off. Whether we shell 2 moves or 200 moves, whether it’s the psychology or the simple art of selling, Brock Lesnar is one of the best that has ever been out there. I hope people can appreciate the growth he has made as a person and character throughout the years because he’s a pro; he knows what to do, to be able to share the ring with him again 13 years far removed from the last time, and like you said, I may be beating a dead horse here, it was an honor and a privilege.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcribed quotes

Comparing Asuka’s Win Streak With Goldberg’s Actual Streak

There is a lot of confusion currently regarding how many wins Goldberg started his WCW career off with, and where Asuka’s current NXT streak is at. This post should clear up that confusion.

Goldberg’s Streak

According to the long-standing German pro-wrestling statistic site: cagematch.net, Goldberg competed in 159 matches before losing to Kevin Nash at Starccade 98. What is not common knowledge however, is Goldberg’s 1997 loss to Chad Fortune at a set of WCW Saturday Night tapings. The match never aired, and was supposedly a test to see how Goldberg would react to being asked to lose. It is mentioned in Goldberg’s autobiography as well.

Goldberg would then go 153-0. The number often mentioned by WWE (and previously by WCW) is 173-0. Even if you ignore the un-televised loss to Fortune, his streak was stopped at 158.

Asuka’s Streak

Asuka’s streak, while longer, is less concrete than Goldberg’s. Often not acknowledged is the 4 matches Asuka has wrestled in NXT where she was not the winner. The first match occurred in January of 2016, when she was eliminated from a battle royal. She then failed to win 3 fatal 4-way matches for the NXT championship within a week of each other in late February and early March of 2016. All 3 matches were won by Bayley and took place on the NXT live tour.

Take those matches out of the equation and Asuka’s NXT streak is 175-0. If you include those 4 non-wins, Asuka has won 130 straight since her last non-win in NXT.

WWE Considering DVD Sets On Goldberg, Kevin Nash, Finn Balor, AJ Styles & More

WWE has a list of potential names they’re considering for DVD/Blu-Ray releases for late 2017 and early 2018. The company revealed some of the possible names in a survey recently sent out to their “Fan Council” this week.

Some of the concepts include a 1998 retrospective DVD, a New Day documentary, and a special about Chris Jericho’s “List.” Some of the names up for documentaries or match compilations include Kevin Nash, Goldberg, Finn Balor, Charlotte, AJ Styles and more.

Here’s the full list sent out by WWE this week:

1998: A Look Back (Documentary)

The year that brought us Stone Cold’s first WWE championship reign, the birth of the evil boss Mr. McMahon, the rise of The Rock, the RE-birth of D-Generation X with Triple H’s new leadership, Sable and her ‘hand print bikini’, and the debuts of several attitude era stars such as Edge and Val Venis. 1998 was the Austin Era, and ‘attitude’ was in full-swing.

Finn Bálor (Documentary)

After a remarkable first month in WWE, Finn unfortunately needed surgery that put him on the shelf for several months. During that time, WWE cameras had unprecedented access to Finn, following him to surgery, through rehab, back to Ireland with his family, all the way up to his eventual return to RAW in April.

Kevin Nash (Documentary)

A big man who broke the mold, Kevin Nash’s unique personality and superb athletic ability helped him rise to the top of the WWE ranks in route to becoming Champion. But Nash didn’t stop there, as the 7-footer was the very first man to “jump ship” to WCW and kick-start the Monday Night Wars. A true rebel, and founding member of the nWo, Kevin Nash holds a special place in wrestling history.

The New Day’s Unlikely Success Story (Documentary)

Sometimes the best things happen by accident. When three talented-but-directionless superstars were paired together, the initial results were far from positive. But once Kofi, Xavier, and Big E flipped the switch and found their niche… it was magic, and the WWE Universe began clapping & singing along with the Power of Positivity. Witness the unlikely rise of The New Day, as they solely evolve into one of the most popular entertainers in WWE.

Goldberg (Documentary)

Get exclusive access to Goldberg as he makes his long-awaited return to WWE. Get up close and personal with Bill as he speaks about his family, his reasons for returning, and his goals for the future.

Charlotte Flair (Documentary)

Woooo! WWE Home Video takes you behind-the-scenes and follows Charlotte Flair as she prepares for one of the biggest matches of her career! Hear from “The Queen” herself as she shares what it was like growing up under the tutelage of her father WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair and the path she took to become a multiple-time WWE Women’s Champion. If there’s anything this 3-disc collection packed with extras will show you is if you’re gonna do it, do it with Flair!

The Phenomenal AJ Styles (Match Comp.)

This compilation would feature the most phenomenal matches of AJ Styles’ first two years in WWE. No superstar wowed the audience during that time quite like “P1” AJ Styles. Featuring battles with John Cena, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, and more.

Chris Jericho’s List of Greatest Matches (Match Comp.)

Chris Jericho has reinvented himself many times, and has struck gold with his recent ‘list-making’ incarnation. Relive some of Jericho’s favorite matches as he recounts them from the List of Jericho.

The Best of Charlotte Flair (Match Comp.)

The “genetically superior” athlete, Charlotte, stormed onto the scene and led the Women’s Revolution. Relive her classic battles with Sasha Banks, Bayley, Nikki Bella, and others.

The Best of Dean Ambrose (Match Comp.)

Relive the Lunatic’s greatest matches as he rises up the WWE ranks to become an unlikely WWE Champion. Watch his battles with Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, and more.

Shane McMahon’s Craziest Matches (Match Comp.)

Shane is known as a huge risk-taker, who provides “OMG” moments on a regular basis. This compilation would feature all of his greatest & craziest matches, spanning his entire time in WWE. Featuring battles with Undertaker, Big Show, Randy Orton, Mankind, Kane, & more.

The Best of Roman Reigns (Match Comp.)

From his seasoning days in NXT, to his dominant run with The Shield, to his spectacular singles run, all the way to the WWE Championship and the main event of WrestleMania… witness the greatest high-impact, fast-paced matches of Roman Reigns’ career.

John Cena: The Face that Runs the Place (Match Comp.)

For over 15 years, John Cena has been the standard bearer in WWE. Every time a new crop of young hungry superstars make their way to WWE, Cena’s will is tested again. As the New Era flourishes, Cena faces his toughest challenges to date, as he goes into battle with The Miz, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Baron Corbin, AJ Styles, The Club, and many more.

The Best of RAW & SmackDown 2017 (Match Comp.)

Best matches and moments from the year, along with exclusive alternate commentary for certain moments from the superstars themselves.

Best Pay-Per-View Matches 2017 (Match Comp.)

The greatest matches from the greatest events of the year.

The Best of WWE Superstars (Match Comp.)

Before the days of SmackDown, Heat, or NXT… Superstars was the only other weekly WWE program alongside Monday Night RAW. Rivalries were advanced, titles were defended, and significant moments took place on this classic show that aired from 1986-1996.

  • Which of these DVDs do you want to see the most? Join the discussion in the comments!

Wrestlemania 33 Backstage Video, Four Things WWE Fans Want To See At Wrestlemania 34

Backstage Wrestlemania 33 Video

WWE released a new 4K video of Superstars backstage at Wrestlemania 33. The video shows Superstars like the Hardy’s, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, Goldberg, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns moments before they made their way to the ring.

Four Things WWE Fans Want To See At Wrestlemania 34

WWE has uploaded a new video entitled “4 things we want to see at Wrestlemania 34”. The four things listed were Stephanie McMahon competing in a match, Roman Reigns versus John Cena, WWE Champion versus Universal Champion and a Battle Royal with Superstars from the Attitude Era.

Photos: New WWE Universal Champion Crowned At WrestleMania

Brock Lesnar is your new WWE Universal Champion after defeating Goldberg in one of the WrestleMania 33 main events tonight.

The match saw Lesnar hit 10 German suplexes on Goldberg.

Check out photos and videos from the match below:

Goldberg Reveals Why He’s Been ‘Absolutely Miserable’ Since Returning To WWE

RAW Universal Champion Bill Goldberg has had a memorable run with WWE since returning to the ring back at Survivor Series, but he told Edge & Christian this past week that he’s been “absolutely miserable” ever since.

Goldberg appeared on the first episode of the E&C Pod of Awesomeness podcast and said he doesn’t sleep well, always feels bloated and is stressed 24 hours a day. He said,

 

“I’ll be honest, I’m miserable. I’m absolutely miserable. Nobody get me wrong when I say I’ve been miserable throughout this, but I am. I’m miserable. I’m bloated 24 hours a day. I’m stressed 24 hours a day. I don’t sleep, but it’s a small price to pay.”

At 50 years old, it’s not easy staying in ‘Goldberg’ shape. He made the decision to wrestle again so his wife and son could see him perform in person, but he pays a high price to compete at the highest level in WWE and admits that it’s stressful living up to the expectation of fans expecting to see him looking like his WCW prime.

“I am nothing but a machine now. I get up in the morning. I eat. I train. I eat. It’s the toughest thing I ever embarked upon, guys,” he said, “I’m 13 years removed from the business. I can’t name a power wrestler who has come back 13 freaking years afterwards. And then, within 20 pounds of what he was back then.”

After a 12 year hiatus from the ring, Goldberg said he’s also had a hard time executing his legendary ring entrance.

“Well, I mean, let’s be honest, man. I forgot how to go through my pyro! I honestly, I swear to God, I actively, when I came back to the WWE, each and every time I went through Gorilla [position], I would remember another thing that I had forgotten in my preparation,” he said. “I throw my punches. I throw my kicks. I pull my hamstring throwing a kick! Throwing a kick! It’s ridiculous.”

Goldberg will defend the Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar this Sunday at WrestleMania 33 from Orlando, Florida.

Goldberg Thanks The WWE Universe, New Day Stars In New Snickers Commercial

Wrestlemania 33 is believed to be the end of Goldberg’s current WWE contract. Goldberg could always sign on for more appearances with the WWE in the future, but as of now it appears that his WWE run is coming to an end. Goldberg posted the following on Instagram:

“Call it luck…. hard work……or fate. Still trying to grasp the moment from last night. Thank you to all the fans who’ve welcomed me back during this run. Truly an honor to have my family along for the ride this time! #humbled #grateful #priceless #familyfirst The biggest #thankyou goes out to my wonderful wife who’s put up with me during this time. Also quite important is that none of this would’ve happened without the @wwe giving me the opportunity. #thankuall #teamgoldberg BTW , if you think I’m throwing in the towel you know nothing about me. Expect all hell to break loose at #wrestlemania no matter what I’m going out on my sword! If I got 1 or 50 left I’m bringing the heat!!!! #bankonit”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSMCiBKFBfs/

The New Day are the stars in a brand new Snickers advertisement. Xavier Woods isn’t himself when he’s hungry.

AJ Styles Interrupts Shane McMahon At MSG Live Event, Goldberg Calls Fans “Lowlifes” For Cursing

AJ Styles interrupted Smackdown GM Shane McMahon today at a WWE live event in Madison Square Garden. Styles once again said that he should be in the main event of Wrestlemania 33. Shane McMahon and AJ Styles are rumored to face each other at Wrestlemania this year. Styles also wrestled Randy Orton at the event today and lost via an RKO.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRjRSSAgBDA/

A video has surfaced of Goldberg shouting at some angry fans at WWE Fastlane. The fans apparently used foul language and Goldberg wasn’t pleased with that because there were children in the audience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qM4F0Jx214&feature=youtu.be

Jim Ross Predicts The Winner Of Goldberg vs. Lesnar, Expects Kenny Omega In WWE

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated and gave his thoughts on the upcoming WrestleMania showdown between RAW Universal Champion Goldberg and the man he’s humiliated twice over the past several months, Brock Lesnar.

Goldberg asserted his dominance over Lesnar at Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble, but JR thinks it will be Brock Lesnar standing tall when all is said and done at WrestleMania.

“Lesnar will go over with his finish, the F5. If they use their head, make sure Paul Heyman is involved in the game-planning, and get an agent like Michael Hayes or Pat Patterson or someone like that, then there is no excuse that they can’t give you ten quality minutes, bell-to-bell. There is no reason that two guys of that stature, earning that kind of money, can’t give ten kicka– minutes of pro wrestling content. I firmly believe it’s possible.”

It all goes down Sunday, April 2nd when WrestleMania 33 takes place from Orlando, FL at the Camping World Stadium.

JR also commented on the possibility of Kenny Omega leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling and showing the WWE Universe what he’s got. Omega is doing big things in New Japan, but JR is convinced he’ll wind up in WWE one day.

“It’s a good time to follow a guy like Kenny, who, some day, will be a WWE guy. There’s no doubt. I’m glad that he came back to New Japan for another year, and I would think that after he stars at Wrestle Kingdom in 2018, then he very well could be the most coveted free agent that WWE has tried to sign in years.”

Head over to SI.com to check out the full interview.

WWE RAW Results & Discussion (3/6)

The March 6th edition of WWE RAW was the first episode after their Fastlane pay-per-view, and aired live at 8 PM ET from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL.

– Chris Jericho comes out to the ring and starts off cutting a babyface promo to the Chicago crowd. He says tonight he will be re-born. Jericho explains that the reason for him helping Goldberg win last night was simple, because Owens stabbed him in the back, and now he calls out Jericho to face him man to man. Jericho wants Owens to tell him face to face why he turned on him. Owens comes out to the stage in his ring gear and indicates that he won’t answer Jericho. Jericho tells him to be quiet… quiet… quiet… quiet… and asks him again, why he betrayed him. Owens says he didn’t stab his best friend in the back, because Jericho was never his best friend. Owens says Triple H told him to do whatever it takes to keep the title, so Owens used Jericho as a tool to watch his back. Owens says Jericho screwed up and went from being a tool to a burden, so Owens took him out. Owens says he knows he would have beaten Goldberg if it wasn’t for Jericho. Jericho says he doesn’t want Owens to be his friend, because he has the “Friends of Jericho” in the crowd in Chicago, which prompts a Y2J chant. Jericho says costing Owens his Universal Title doesn’t make them even, and Jericho is just getting started getting back at Owens. Jericho then challenges Owens to a match at WrestleMania. Owens says he’ll accept if Jericho puts his U.S. Title on the line, and Jericho accepts. This leads to Owens hitting the ring and they start brawling. Samoa Joe comes in from behind and joins Jericho in beating down Jericho. Sami Zayn runs in for the save and he’s got a steel chair. Owens and Joe overpower Zayn, but now Jericho grabs the chair and he lays out the heels. Joe and Owens retreat which Jericho and Zayn stare them down from the ring.

Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn: This one was made during the commercial break, and we’re off with Owens and Zayn brawling out to ringside early on. Back in the ring, Owens hits a cannonball on Zayn in the corner. Zayn ducks a clothesline and throws Owens outside, then follows up with a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Owens immediately takes out Zayn with a Pop Up Powerbomb out of nowhere, but Owens is too hurt to pin. Owens continues beating down Zayn and hits a second Pop Up Powerbomb for the win.

– Chris Jericho vs. Samoa Joe in singles action is booked for later tonight.

Neville def. Rich Swann: Austin Aries is on commentary for this one, and he once again shows us his video package. Swann starts off with right hands on Neville then sends him rolling outside with a dropkick. Swann follows him out and throws Neville into the fan barricade. Neville slams Swann head-first into the ring apron, then takes him in the ring to continue the offense. We hear an “Austin Aries” chant from the crowd. Swann kicks Neville out to ringside then heads to the top rope. Swann hits a well-executed 450 splash off the top rope down onto Neville who was standing on the ringside floor. Back in the ring, Swann hits a kick and a Michinouku Driver for a two count. Neville comes back with a superplex off the top that sends Neville rolling out to ringside. Neville follows Swann outside and he beats down the challenger near the commentary tables. Back in the ring, Swann comes back with a suplex and a superkick for a two count. Swann hits another kick to the head then goes for the Phoenix Splash, but Neville rolls out of the way. Neville puts Swann into the Rings of Saturn for the win via submission.

– After the match, Austin Aries heads to the ring to interview Neville about his win, but the crowd chants for Aries. Neville says there’s nobody in the cruiserweight division who can hold a candle to him. Aries asks Neville if he’s sure there’s no one at his level, and the crowd chants “Austin Aries” again. Aries tells Neville the WWE Universe disagrees with him. Neville orders Aries to get out of the ring and taunts him for working as a commentator. Aries says he’s just trying to do his job, and he has one more question. Aries hits Neville with the mic and follows up with a running elbow to the face that sends Neville rolling outside. Neville retreats up the ramp while Aries holds the Cruiserweight Title in the ring.

– Goldberg comes out to the ring next with his new WWE Universal Title. Goldberg thanks the fans for supporting him, and says he’s going to share some information with them. The crowd starts chanting for CM Punk, which Goldberg nods his head in agreement with. Paul Heyman interrupts next and says he didn’t come here tonight alone. Heyman introduces Brock Lesnar, and they head down to the ring together. Lesnar walks over right in front of Goldberg, and Heyman says Lesnar is here tonight to shake Goldberg’s hand and congratulate him on winning the Universal Title. Heyman says Goldberg has earned their respect because he’s proven himself to be the real deal, but Lesnar will be the winner at WrestleMania. Goldberg declines to shake Lesnar’s hand, and Heyman keeps talking. Heyman says after WrestleMania, people will be calling Goldberg “Brock’s bitch.” This causes Goldberg to turn his head away from Lesnar, and Lesnar hits an F-5 on Goldberg. Lesnar and Heyman head backstage while Goldberg is in the ring, and he looks pissed off.

Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Enzo & Cass – No Contest: The tag titles are on the line in this one. Enzo misses a dropkick early on against Gallows and tags in Big Cass. Gallows brings Cass into his corner with punches and Anderson tags in. Cass throws Anderson outside and tags in Enzo. Enzo gears up for a suicide dive, but Anderson moves. Sheamus and Cesaro come out to watch, and it distracts Enzo and Cass. Cass tags in and works on Anderson. Cass hits the Empire Elbow and pins, but Gallows breaks up the pin. Cass throws Gallows to the outside, then Enzo hits a suicide dive on him. Enzo accidentally knocks Cesaro’s coffee all over him and Sheamus at ringside. Cesaro and Sheamus hit the ring and all hell breaks loose. When the dust settles, Enzo has Cesaro in a sleeper hold, but Sheamus Brogue Kicks Enzo right off of Cesaro. Cesaro and Sheamus head to the back while the others recover.

– We go backstage and see Enzo an Cass arguing with Cesaro and Sheamus. Foley sets up a match between them, where the winners will face Gallows and Anderson at WrestleMania. Foley says he’s going to try to have a nice day. Stephanie McMahon walks up behind him and says if he wants to have a nice day, to follow her to her office right now.

Akira Tozawa def. Daivari: Daivari starts off in control, but Tozawa mounts a comeback after faking out Daivari. Tozawa knocks Daivari outside with a kick and follows up with a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Tozawa hits a German suplex for the win after a short match. Tozawa calls out Kendrick after the match. Kendrick comes out to the stage and tells him to be careful what he wishes for, then heads to the back.

The New Day def. The Shining Stars: The New Day cut a promo about ice cream before the match. Primo and Epico get in some offense early on, then they take aim at the ice cream cart at ringside. Kofi comes from the ring with a suicide dive onto Primo and Epico at ringside, then back in the ring Big E hits the Big Ending for the win after a very short match. The New Day celebrates with their ice cream cart after the match.

– Mick Foley is in the ring and he brings out Bayley. Bayley says she’s glad to be heading to WrestleMania, but it doesn’t feel right because Sasha interfered. Sasha comes out next, and Charlotte quickly interrupts. Charlotte complains about being robbed at Fastlane due to Sasha’s interference. Stephanie McMahon comes out and the first thing she says is Foley isn’t the boss, and neither is Sasha, Steph is. Stephanie says all Chicagoans are losers just like CM Punk. Stephanie says Bayley would not be Champion if it weren’t for Sasha’s interference, and Charlotte was robbed. Stephanie makes a match for right now: Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, and if Sasha wins, she joins the Women’s Title match at WrestleMania to make it a three-way.

Sasha Banks def. Bayley (c): This one is a non-title match. Charlotte and Dana Brooke are on commentary. Bayley and Sasha trade arm locks and takedowns in the evenly-matched opening moments. Sasha starts firing up and takes control of things. Sasha goes for a dive on Bayley to the outside but Bayley moves out of the way. Back in the ring, Sasha drops the champion with a lariat. Sasha is working on Bayley’s arm and then hits several elbows to the face. Bayley stops Sasha’s momentum with a back suplex, then a spear in the corner. Charlotte and Dana come down to ringside. Sasha hits some knees on Bayley then puts her in the crossface, but Bayley reaches the ropes. Sasha hits the backstabber then gets Bayley in the Banks Statement again. Charlotte tries to interfere, but Sasha kicks her off the apron, and rolls back to re-apply the Banks Statement on Bayley. Bayley taps out, and now Sasha has won a post at WrestleMania. Charlotte hits the ring after the match and hits a big boot on Sasha, then on Bayley.

– We get an extended look at Seth Rollins in the gym rehabbing his torn MCL. Rollins talks about how bad he wants to compete at WrestleMania.

– Michael Cole introduces Triple H live “via satellite” who comments on Rollins’ rehab. Triple H says Rollins should listen to the experts and give up on trying to return for WrestleMania. The Game continues to trash Rollins, and says if Rollins shows up at WrestleMania it’ll be the last thing he ever does in a WWE ring.

Samoa Joe def. Chris Jericho via countout: Joe starts by backing Jericho up in the corner and pummeling on him. Jericho fights back with elbows and chops, until Joe drops him with a Pele kick. There’s back-and-forth offense between both men until Joe hits a senton drop for a two count. Joe now starts wearing down Jericho with several holds on the mat. Jericho fights his way up and goes for the Walls of Jericho, but Joe kicks him off. Jericho sends Joe rolling to the outside with a right hand and some kicks. Jericho follows him outside, but Joe immediately catches him in the Coquina Clutch. Joe has it locked in on the floor at ringside, and the ref starts counting them out. Joe has Jericho choked out, then he rolls back in the ring before the referee’s ten count and he wins via countout. After the bell, Joe drags Jericho into the ring, but Jericho hits a Codebreaker on him to back him off. Joe retreats to the back as Jericho stares him down from the ring.

– Braun Strowman comes out to the ring and calls out Roman Reigns. Reigns’ music starts, but then the lights go out and we hear the gong. The Undertaker’s music hits and flames start shooting from the stage. The Undertaker comes down to the ring and stands in front of Strowman. Strowman backs off and exits the ring, then leaves through the crowd. Undertaker’s music starts playing, but is then interrupted by Reigns’ music, and Reigns makes his way to the ring. Reigns grabs a microphone and tells Undertaker that this is his yard now. They each look at the WrestleMania sign, then Undertaker chokeslams Reigns.

Goldberg Speaks On WWE Universal Title Win (Video), Rollins Segment Confirmed For RAW

– WWE posted a video with new WWE Universal Champion Bill Goldberg to their YouTube channel last night where Goldberg discusses winning the belt 13 years after his retirement. Goldberg said that for once he’s at a loss for words, and he’s glad his family is experiencing a little bit of what his career once was. Goldberg also mentions his upcoming match with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 33, and reminds us that he’s 2-0 against the former UFC Heavyweight Champion.

– During Sunday’s Fastlane kickoff show, WWE announced that they will air an exclusive look at Seth Rollins’ torn MCL rehab on Monday’s RAW. Last week on RAW, Rollins declared that he would recover from his knee injury and compete at WrestleMania in april.

Goldberg & Owens Continue Talking Trash, Ex-NFL Star Debuts In NXT, RAW Star Hangs With Arnold

– Goldberg and WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens are in Milwuakee getting ready for Sunday’s Fastlane pay-per-view, and they’re still mixing it up on Twitter to promote their Universal Title bout at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Here’s what they had to say:


https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/838118369622548480

– Ex-NFL player Demitrius Bronson wrestled at Friday’s NXT live event in Crystal River, FL. He teamed up with Hoho Lun and lost to NXT Tag Champions The Authors Of Pain in a tag match. Bronson, who used to play for the Seattle Seahawks, is going under the name Mr. Bronson in NXT. Here’s a photo from the Crystal River house show:

– RAW star Dana Brooke is at the 2017 Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio this weekend and won’t be at Sunday’s Fastlane. Brooke got the opportunity for a photo with WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRN6CWRgHmt/

Kevin Owens Attacks Chris Jericho At Live Event (Video), Goldberg Tweets Asuka, More

– We reported earlier this week that Chris Jericho resurfaced at a WWE live event from Germany. It was Jericho’s first public appearance since Owens betrayed him at the Festival of Friendship. Jericho came out on crutches wearing a neck brace and once again felt the wrath of WWE’s Universal Champion. WWE posted this footage of the latest attack:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ8qEV3At68/

– Bill Goldberg has taken notice of NXT Women’s Champion Asuka’s impressive winning streak.

– Cody Rhodes was asked by a transgender fan if he thinks they could make it in the wrestling business.

– TNA booker Dutch Mantell (formerly Zeb Colter) is working with Viceland on an “interesting wrestling project.”

John Cena Raps To Hype Kids Choice Awards, Big Names On RAW Next Week

– John Cena hosts this year’s Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards, which take place on Saturday, March 11th. Cena is featured in this promo video rapping a “remix” of his entrance theme to promote the event.

– A sitdown interview with Seth Rollins has been announced for next week’s RAW from Green Bay, the final show before Fastlane on 3/5. Rollins will discuss his injury, Samoa Joe, Triple H and more. Rollins was not backstage this week as he was in Alabama where he continues rehabbing the knee injury. Goldberg has also been announced for next week’s RAW.

Breaking Down Everything That Was Wrong With Last Night’s Monday Night Raw (Editorial)

Opening Segment: Kevin Owens Cuts A Promo On Goldberg

Kevin Owens opened up Raw alone. There was no Chris Jericho by his side, nobody to hide behind. Instead, he sat in a chair and stated his strategy for defeating Goldberg at Fastlane. Owens vowed to outlast Goldberg. He said it is common knowledge that the longer a Goldberg match goes, the more likely it is that Goldberg will falter. Owens was going to address his attack on Chris Jericho last week but opted to drop the microphone and leave the ring. Two weeks before WWE Fastlane, the WWE wants you to take Kevin Owens seriously. He has spent months relying on others to help him win matches. If he drops the title to Goldberg, he was officially a paper champion. If he retains due to outside interference, he is the same old Kevin Owens. If he defeats Goldberg clean, then all of Goldberg’s mystique is gone heading into his match against Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania.

Enzo & Cass Become #1 Contenders For The Raw Tag Team Championships

After months of meaningless feuds, Enzo and Cass have finally been thrust into the Raw Tag Team Championship picture. They defeated Sheamus & Cesaro and will now face Gallows & Anderson for the titles at WWE Fastlane. Sheamus & Cesaro won the Raw Team Championships by defeating the New Day. The New Day were the longest reigning Tag Team Champions in WWE history. Sheamus & Cesaro then did nothing with the titles and promptly dropped them to Gallows & Anderson on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show. After the match, Sheamus leveled Enzo with a Brogue Kick outside the ring. Cesaro congratulated Sheamus on laying out Enzo. Are Sheamus & Cesaro now heels? I guess those backstage segments with Bayley the last couple of weeks were pointless.

Roman Reigns Beatdown Both Gallows & Anderson

For the second week in a row, Roman Reigns was able to beat the hell out of the Raw Tag Team Champions. There has really been no explanation as to why Gallows & Anderson insist on fighting Roman Reigns. These Handicap matches have done nothing but make Gallows & Anderson look weak. Roman Reigns looks powerful, but he always has. The problem is that he has never been able to connect with the WWE Universe the way that the WWE apparently wants him to. Instead of feeding a random team like the Shining Stars to Reigns, the WWE has instead made the Raw Tag Team Champions look even weaker than they already did before this “feud” with Roman Reigns.

The New Day Are The New Enzo & Cass

After dropping the Raw Tag Team Championships, the New Day have been in random feuds with Titus O’Neil and now Rusev & Jinder Mahal. The New Day were named the hosts of Wrestlemania 33, presumably because the WWE has nothing for them to do. The New Day are now protecting their blueprints to their ice cream that is coming out this year. Why every Superstar they face is obsessed with these blueprints I have no idea. Since losing the United States Championship, Rusev has been relegated to a comedy act. Rusev was once feared as this dominant force, now he is stuck in segments like the one we saw last night.

The Women’s Division On Raw Is The Same Thing Over And Over Again

Charlotte has never lost a match on a WWE PPV, yet is routinely beaten on Monday Night Raw. Last night, she tapped out to the Bank Statement via Sasha Banks. Last week, Charlotte lost her Women’s Championship to Bayley. It was announced that Charlotte will get her rematch for the Raw Women’s Championship at WWE Fastlane. Instead of slowly building Bayley up, she was given the Raw Women’s Championship on a random episode of Raw. Stephanie McMahon wanted Bayley to relinquish the title due to Sasha Banks interfering in her match with Charlotte last week. If Bayley drops the title to Charlotte at Fastlane, that will make Charlotte a 5x Raw Women’s Champion in under a year.

I find it hard to believe that Charlottes undefeated PPV streak would end at Fastlane. It would make much more sense for that moment to happen at Wrestlemania. It also would have made more sense for Bayley to overcome Charlotte and The Authority and finally get her moment at Wrestlemania. Instead, we’ve already seen that moment of her winning the Raw Women’s Championship. The other option is for Bayley to retain and face either Sasha Banks or Nia Jax at Wrestlemania. The problem with that is that Nia Jax receives virtually no reaction from the WWE Universe. Sasha Banks has zero momentum right now and Wrestlemania is five weeks away. It just seems like the better story would have been to hold Bayley down until Wrestlemania. Charlotte could have screwed Bayley out of winning the Raw Women’s Championship until the biggest show of the year.

Roman Reigns Is In No Man’s Land

Roman Reigns has gotten his ass kicked two weeks in a row by Braun Strowman. Reigns will face Strowman at WWE Fastlane. If he defeats Strowman at Fastlane, people will be pissed off. If Reigns loses, what does he do at Wrestlemania? As of now, Roman Reigns is not a part of a major match at Wrestlemania. I’m not sure if the WWE thought that placing Reigns in Handicap matches would cause the audience to be more receptive to him. Whatever they were going for, it hasn’t worked at all.

Michael Cole made it a point to say that Roman Reigns sent a message after he beatdown Gallows & Anderson. I have zero clue what that message is supposed to be. Is Reigns going to face Strowman at Fastlane and then again at Wrestlemania? Reigns is a no win situation right now. If he gets thrust into the Universal Championship picture before Wrestlemania, people will get pissed off. If he is not a part of a major match at Wrestlemana, that feels like a waste. Say what you want about Roman Reigns, at the very least he generates a reaction from the WWE Universe. Right now, he seems to be in a position where the WWE Universe does not want him to succeed, yet the WWE still wants him to be a top guy.

Goldberg & Kevin Owens Exchange Trash Talk On Twitter

The social media trash talk between Kevin Owens and Bill Godlberg is heating up ahead of their upcoming showdown at WWE Fastlane. Owens threw shade in Goldberg’s direction last week when he pointed out WWE’s production crew had been digitally darkening Goldberg’s goatee.

Goldberg was not in attendance for Monday’s RAW from Las Vegas, but he took notice of Chris Jericho bringing out Gillberg during the Festival of Friendship.

It didn’t take long for Owens to respond, leading to the following exchange:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/831349362315759616

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/831362565640851456

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/831536446519537665

Did Triple H Encourage Kevin Owens to Turn on Chris Jericho?

In a backstage segment leading up to the “Festival of Friendship” Triple H asked to speak with Owens in private, as in without Chris Jericho present. A second quick shot of Owens and HHH was shown later in the show, though no audio was present. It seems likely that Triple H relayed the message to Owens that he should turn on Jericho.

Jericho, who was taken away in an ambulance last night, has been silent since. Considering Jericho had promised to help Owens retain his Universal Championship at Fastlane, one now has to wonder if Triple H (or Samoa Joe) will now play a role in the match.

Naturally this means an Owens vs. Jericho match at WrestleMania is upcoming. If Owens retains (with the help of HHH) at Fastlane, then the Universal title will be on the line in that match. If Goldberg defeats Owens however (most likely with Jericho fending off Triple H) then Goldberg vs. Lesnar would have the Universal Championship on the line. Rumours are out there regarding who is most likely to come away the winner, but such rumours are often proved false.

Vince McMahon Comments On Goldberg’s Involvement In WrestleMania 33

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_WVM8FUXiM

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon took part in a conference call this morning to discuss the company’s fourth quarter earnings results. McMahon commented on WWE’s momentum leading into April 2nd’s WrestleMania pay-per-view and compared this year’s WrestleMania push to last year’s.

A caller told Vince he feels this year’s WrestleMania has more interest than last year’s, and pointed to the majority of WWE’s roster being healthy and Goldberg being back. McMahon seemed to disagree with his point about Goldberg, and told the caller he doesn’t believe there’s one talent that makes the “big wheel keep on turning.” Vince agreed that there is “more momentum” this year, but feels it’s a result of the execution of WWE’s storylines and shifts in momentum between pay-per-views.

McMahon also agreed with the caller’s first point, and partly credited the momentum with the company having less injuries on their roster now than during last year’s WrestleMania season.

  • Discussion: Do you have more interest in this year’s WrestleMania than last year’s? Comment with your thoughts below!

Kevin Owens Mocks WWE For Photoshopping Goldberg’s Beard

Kevin Owens knocked the WWE Fastlane graphic last night on Twitter. He has a match with Goldberg with the Universal Championship at the event, but Owens noticed something a little off with the picture of Goldberg and had no problem pointing it out on social media.

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/828830882790154241

Of course, Owens didn’t have to wait for the WWE to photoshop his beard. Many people on Twitter decided to take action themselves.

https://twitter.com/TheBestKyle/status/828832472821542912

Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar Official For WrestleMania 33

Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar is now official for WrestleMania 33 in Orlando. Lesnar’s challenge was accepted by Goldberg on tonight’s RAW, as seen in the photo below.

As of this writing no other matches are official for WrestleMania but Randy Orton will face the WWE Champion as he won the Royal Rumble. John Cena currently holds the WWE Championship but he will defend inside the Elimination Chamber this coming Sunday

WrestleMania takes place on 4/2 from the Camping World Stadium in Orlando this year.

Goldberg UK Tour Announced

Inside The Ropes have announced that Goldberg will be heading to the UK for a 3 date speaking tour in June.

The three stops will be Glasgow on June 25th, Manchester on June 27th and London on July 2nd. Tickets for the events will be available from February 10th on www.insidetheropes.co.uk.

Reports that his dressing room doors will be padded are currently unconfirmed.

Potential Spoilers: Storyline Plans For WWE’s Universal Championship Through WrestleMania

Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view saw Kevin Owens retain the Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in a very physical no disqualification match. With Chris Jericho suspended high above the ring in a shark cage, Braun Strowman stormed the ring, laid waste to Reigns and handed another victory to KO. Following Owens’ successful defense, Dave Meltzer of f4wonline.com has revealed WWE’s plans for the Universal Championship through WrestleMania 33.

As of this writing, the plan is for Kevin Owens to defend the Universal Championship against Bill Goldberg at Fastlane, which takes place on Sunday, March 5th. The big scoop is that the Universal Championship will not be defended at RAW live events following Fastlane, a strong indication that Goldberg will be the man to end KO’s title reign.

The scenario is already being compared to The Rock and Brock Lesnar’s most recent WWE title runs, with part-time stars being used to elevate the title without having to work live events.

Goldberg as Universal Champion also means the big showdown with Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania will be a title match. Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho has been long rumored for Mania, so perhaps Jericho will have a hand in Owens losing his prized possession at Fastlane.

Discussion: What do you think of the possibility Goldberg as Universal Champion?

Goldberg On Working A Full Time Schedule & Current WWE Locker Room

Goldberg did an interview with CBS Sports before last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw. Goldberg was asked about the possibility of returning to a full time schedule in the WWE.

“If that were to happen, it depends on your definition of full time. If you have the strap, the WWE title, you gotta be on TV to defend it. I guess we’ll cross that bridge if we get there.”

Goldberg also discussed the current WWE locker room and how respectful they have been to him.

“The respect is unbelievable. I feel like an elder statesman. I’m very happy for the business that such good people are in control of it now. It seems like they’re a great group of kids in the locker room. And that’s really nice to see, because in past years, that has not always been the case.”

You can check out he full interview by clicking here.